IMac problem, keep freeze and wont boot

Question

my iMac was updating latest iphoto raw compability update,
then my imac turn into around 3 hours machine that frezee up after 3-4 hours of normal used (itunes and brosing),
and it wont shutdown, I force the power button to make it off.
after that,
it wont boot to mac osx SL
flashing folder with question mark on it appear.
but I certainly could boot from SL installation DVD,
I have to wait half to one hour for normal start up again,
if less than half hour, it wont boot to mac osx..
how strange is that?
I have to wait everytime..
can anyone fix this?
I thought this problem connect with my bootcamp with win7,
because I can't boot to win7 also,
I have tried to disabled auto mounting NTFS with fstab, it wont solve the problem at all,
anyone can help me?
is format it all will help?
Message was edited by: Hudi

Answer 1

Before deciding that you can't replace the drive yourself, visit the following site and find the step by step instructions for replacing the drive yourself:
http://www.ifixit.com/
If you see the instructions and feel that you can replace the drive yourself, you will save money that way. I'm not that familiar with modern iMacs, but I know it was very easy to replace the drive in my old iMac. It may not be as hard to do as you think. If you want extra help, you can post questions on the iMac forum.
If you still don't feel like it is something you can do yourself, try looking for an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) in your area and see what it might cost to have the AASP do the replacement. Often an AASP can do a repair for less money than Apple, and they will usually be willing to install a drive that you have obtained elsewhere for a reasonable price. From what I have read on these forums, many people have used AASP's to install bigger and faster drives on their machines.
Definitely contact Western Digital about your drive. Usually WD drives come with a 3 year warranty, and if the drive fails before then, WD will replace the drive. KT has mentioned that the drive apparently is not under warranty, but might qualify for some sort of an upgrade. Before shopping elsewhere, check to see if this upgrade might entitle you to a very good deal on a replacement drive or something of that nature.
Good luck!